A large crowd gathered Saturday on the steps of the Capitol to hear the Dalai Lama plea for world peace.

One individual may seem too insignificant to change the world on his or her own he said, but one’s daily actions, even a smile, can have a rippling effect on the peacefulness of the surrounding community.

The Dalai Lama spoke as part of the Kalachakra for World Peace, an event from July 6 to the 16 at the Verizon Center. The goal of the conference is to inspire harmonious relationships and peace in all people across the world.

The Dalai Lama, introduced by emcee Whoopi Goldberg, focused on the importance of developing compassion, trust and affection for all humans.

He also lamented on preoccupations with physical beauty saying, “The real beauty is in you.”

Cassandra Akins from Orlanda, Fla. said the peace-based event was overwhelming.

“He is addressing the needs of the world…simple directions on how each individual can contribute to world peace,” she said.

D.C.-native Terri Nally, who also saw the Dalai Lama speak in 1980, said his incorporation of science in his speech Saturday was especially interesting.

“Science is showing we are all interconnected. Communities of selves is what contributes to the advancement of evolution.” Nally said.